Ancient History : African Kingdoms : Nubian Princesses

Once listened to a stand up comedian doing his routine on television, and there were about 4 or 5 black women sitting in the front row in the audience. Black women or Black American women or African-American women or whatever the politically correct word is these days – no matter because the guy called them “Nubian princesses”.

Thought to myself:

• When did folks in America start referring to black women in America as Nubian princesses?
  
• What’s a Nubian?

Do you know what ethnonym means?
An Ethnonym is the name applied to a given ethnic group.

Ethnonyms for Nubians are: Egyptian Nubians, Halfans, Lower Nubians, Sudanese Nubians.

Supplying a few specific notes extracted from a detailed article about the Nubians, along with the link, if you want to read further.

Notes:
Until 1964, Nubians, a non-Arab Muslim population, lived in a boundary-less geographical region known as Nubia, the southern edge of which lay along latitude 19° N, in village clusters along the banks of the Nile. Most of their Culture and History prior to the sixth century is unknown, however, archaeological findings indicate that their lifestyle was very similar to ancient Egypt. Nubians of today are Sunni Muslims.

To learn more:

• Ammar, Nawal. “Nubians.” Encyclopedia of World Cultures. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 13 Jul. 2012

And in conclusion, although all women love to be referred to as princesses or queens, based on that article … all black American people are not Nubians and it was probably incorrect to refer to those ladies on the front row as “Nubian princesses”.  However, the sisters looked very pleased to accept his words as a nice compliment.  🙂

Featured Image Credit:  English: African black Nubian woman, Egyptian Sudan 3/4 lgth., standing, facing right. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) ~ By Frank and Frances Carpenter Collection (Library of Congress) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Similar or Related Links:

• Nimrod and the ‘Gate of God’ – BlogJob
• African Kingdoms – East Africa : Nubia / Kerma (c.2500 BC – c.AD 350) – historyfiles.co.uk
• The History of Ancient Nubia – The Oriental Institute

♦  NOTE: This is my original content which was previously published at my blog, Dispensable Thoughts, which was deleted; and at Bubblews, a writing site which closed down.